So it may have been a few years since you’ve been in drivers ed, or let’s face it, maybe even a few decades! And quite possibly, over the years, you may just have forgotten some things and are now making some uber driving faux pas and you don’t even know it. Sheesh, and you wonder why you get honked at!
Now let’s get refreshed. Drivers etiquette refreshed that is!
Pedestrians have the right of way. So you may be a few minutes on time and the person who is crossing in the crosswalk, at the pace of a snail it seems, is taking forever. You need to back off and give them their space. No one even really likes having to be in the crosswalk, much less be antagonized in one by you!
Tailgating is not going to get you there any faster. It may actually take you longer because you were following to close that you got yourself in an accident. Rule of thumb is that you need to leave one and a half car lengths between you and the car in front of you.
Not letting other vehicles merge is not very nice and won’t get you on Santa’s good list either. And, it can be extremely dangerous if you’re hogging the right lane when others are trying to merge onto the freeway. Let them in.
Turn up the radio, nah turn it down! Not everyone wants to hear what you’re listening to.
Don’t leave your brights on. This can make it extremely hard for oncoming traffic to see which begs me to ask the question of why would you do this?! Use your brights courteously.
Please use your turn signals. They were invented to give other drivers a little heads up so that they can slow down and not end up connecting with the rear of your car because you had to take a quick turn and they had zero response time.
Driving too slowly is as bad as driving too fast. They both are real dangers.
The parking lot is full, but you just could have had a spot if only this person didn’t double park! Just don’t do it.
Sure traffic light may not seem like they are on your side today, but honking at them is not going to change the computers mind. Try to leave a few minutes early as you never know when the traffic sign gods are not on your side.
After a snow storm it is very important to clear as much snow from your vehicle as possible. Why? Because you have the chance of losing all of that snow to the vehicle behind you and causing a lack of vision and possibly an accident for them.
Be a better driver by immediately following these easy drivers etiquette tips today! And if you have something you’d like to share please stop by Freeman Grapevine or post on our facebook wall!
The excitement of buying a new car usually comes just before you make that decision to get a new car, and just after you’ve left the lot with that new car and sealed the deal. Who really enjoys the actual process of buying a new car? Not many. However the car buying process shouldn’t be as stressful as it is perceived when you understand the process.
For instance, do your research first, have a few options in mind, procure your loan early so you know what is really in your budget and don’t be scared to shop around. Of course I want you to come and buy fromFreeman Grapevine, but for your own satisfaction, see what else is out there.
The advice on this video should help out. Additionally, do some research online before you go, and do some research on the dealership itself too.
So the bottom line is: Be Prepared! Not only do you want to do your research, but you also want to know what your credit report score is before you go. If you walk in to a dealership and they know more about your credit than you do, that’s just bad. Also, when you do check your credit report, you may find an error that will affect whether you can get a car loan or not!
After all is done, then come toFreeman Grapevine. We like our buyers to be educated about the industry, the products and the Dallas car dealers.
If you drive, you can’t be with out it. New car insurance is an important and a vital factor involved in order to keep you one the road. Car insurance is a necessary thing for drivers, not only because it is required by law in many states (all of them I think), but it could be the most protection you may have in case of an accident. Car accidents can have devastating and long lasting effects on you, your car, and your future, depending on which side of the wheel you are on when the vehicles collide.
As drivers, we are constantly in search of an affordable auto insurance policy and insurers are constantly bombarding us with new offers and options. It’s not just a myth, cheap insurance is available throughout the market, but you are going to have do do a little research.
Obviously, shopping online for the perfect insurance option can help you avoid wasting time on numerous calls and automated questions and answers. Choose at least three companies with trustworthy and a time-proven reputation, get their quotes and then analyze and compare these rates in order to take sensible decision. Just because an insurance option is cheaper doesn’t mean it is the right coverage for you. For example, do you have an older car? Then you probably don’t need to carry Collision. If your car is fairly, then you’d want to have as much coverage as you can reasonably afford. The bottom line is that you are going to have to pay something out of pocket to either repair, or replace your vehicle and the coverage you carry is going to determine how much.
The fact of the matter is that accidents happen every few minutes, there is simply no way to stop that. The only thing you can do is have the coverage that’s right for you and hope you never have to use it. It’s not worth the risk to be uncovered.
Leave a comment if you have anything you can add or you can always come in and see me
(this article was originally published on gmc.com)
Parents on Yukon, Yukon XL design team pushed for family-friendly mirror
DETROIT – Your parents weren’t kidding – mothers and fathers really do know best, especially when it comes to incorporating family-friendly features into automobiles.
Members of the 2015 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL team leveraged their own parental experiences, and added a conversation mirror – a secondary rear-view mirror that helps drivers keep an eye on kids seated in the second and third rows.
(this article was originally published on buick.com)
DETROIT – For the second consecutive year, three Buick models were among the winners in Kelley Blue Book’s 2015 5-Year Cost to Own awards announced today:
Kelley Blue Book’s data for new cars for the initial five-year ownership period is the basis for the awards. Categories include lowest projected depreciation, expected fuel costs, finance and insurance fees, maintenance and repair costs, and state registration fees.
Kelley Blue Book data suggests substantial potential in cost-of-ownership savings for these three vehicles.
Vehicle Category
Model
Model Average Difference to Vehicle Category Average
Entry-Level Luxury Car
Buick Verano
($9,236)
Luxury Compact SUV/Crossover
Buick Encore
($14,370)
Luxury Full-size SUV/Crossover
Buick Enclave
($17,509)
KBB.com’s 5-Year Cost to Own information is developed using Kelley Blue Book® Residual Values to calculate depreciation costs. Kelley Blue Book calculates total ownership costs for new vehicles by applying a sophisticated valuation methodology along with critical financial data from third-party providers.
(this article was originally published on buick.com)
DETROIT – Vehicles act differently on snow and ice depending on whether they have front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. You may know which drive system your vehicle has, but do you understand how it works?
Here’s a brief spin through the options. Remember, almost every new vehicle includes an electronic traction control system that intervenes automatically to improve performance in slippery conditions.
Front-wheel drive (FWD): Simply put, engine power is channeled to the front wheels to propel the vehicle. Standard on all Buicks, FWD is the most popular and prevalent system in the market because its compact setup enhances fuel efficiency and frees up more room inside the vehicle. Plus, the weight of the powertrain is concentrated over the driving wheels, so it offers good traction when it’s slippery.
Rear-wheel drive (RWD): As the name implies, engine power is sent to the rear wheels to propel the vehicle. In passenger cars, RWD reigned until the advent of FWD in the early 1980s. But RWD can more effectively handle higher engine power and higher vehicle weights, which is why it’s still favored in large trucks, larger performance vehicles, purpose-built race cars and law-enforcement pursuit use.
All-wheel drive (AWD): Don’t confuse all-wheel drive with four-wheel drive (below). Both engage all four wheels, but they’re designed and operate differently.
Generally, an AWD drivetrain operates as a FWD or RWD system – most are FWD. Buick’s AWD system pre-emptively sends power to front and rear axles on every launch to prevent wheel slip, then backs down if no slip occurs. Power is transferred automatically via a single-speed transfer case. (A transfer case connects to the transmission to split power between the front and rear wheels.) The beauty of AWD is no driver effort is needed to activate the system.
AWD scores high with buyers who want excellent on-road capabilities with the added traction on grass, mud, sand or gravel in light, off-road conditions where a front- or rear-wheel-drive vehicle may get stuck. Buick offers all-wheel drive on the Regal, LaCrosse, Encore and Enclave.
Four-wheel drive (4WD or 4×4): Four-wheel drive typically features a two-speed transfer case with high and low ranges for maximum traction. 4WD vehicles typically operate in RWD until four-wheel traction is required; and while most systems are driver-activated, many offer a setting that automatically engages the high range when it’s slippery. The driver must still engage the low range.
Found in large, rear-wheel-drive trucks and larger SUVs with additional ground clearance compared to passenger cars and crossovers, 4×4 still provides the best traction and capability in off-road conditions.
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, along rolls by a 665 HP GMC Denali. So, let’s put that into perspective. This 2015 GMC Denali can generate as much horsepower as some of today’s most expensive and elite supercars. Now, can it keep pace with other American made supercars? Keep in mind that this beast weighs 6,000 lbs!
The 2015 Hennessy GMC Denali is a berserk car. It has an engine developing 665 HP which is the same as the new Ferrari 488 GTB. However, we have to ask how it goes against the Hellcat!? Luckily, Hennessey asked the same. The Denali goes 0-60 in 4.7 seconds, which is far away from the Hellcat. At the end of the video you can see the race, but you cannot see the result. Nevertheless, it seems legit to say that the Hellcat won without much sweat.
Now, as much as I’d like to have one of these one the lot at Freeman Grapevine, I’m probably just going to have to settle for seeing it in pictures. And even though the Hellcat was clearly faster, can you imagine having a Denali with that many horses under the hood?
(this article was originally published on gmc.com)
New, award-winning Canyon had best January in 10 years; Sierra up 14 percent
DETROIT – GMC sold 35,671 trucks, vans and sport-utility vehicles in the U.S. last month, posting its best January sales since 2004. Every GMC, crossover and SUV saw sales increases; and total Sierra full-size truck sales rose 14 percent.
“Our GMC customers are confident in our showroom of premium trucks, crossovers and SUVs,” said Duncan Aldred, U.S. vice president of GMC Marketing. “We continue to be pleased with consumer response to the new Canyon midsize pickup, which bolsters our truck leadership and is bringing new buyers to GMC.
“Twelve months of year-over-year retail sales gains are a very strong indicator of the premium GMC attributes our customers continue to seek.”
In fact, in survey after survey, customers cite exterior styling, overall quality, ample seating capacity, premium amenities and positive previous GMC ownership experiences as their reasons for purchasing a GMC. In January, GMC’s top-of-the-line Denali trim represented 22 percent of total GMC sales and more than half of Yukon and Yukon XL models.
Here’s a model-by-model look at GMC U.S. sales in January:
Canyon:
Best January sales in 10 years following its launch last fall
Autoweek’s 2015 Best of the Best truck
Terrain:
Best January ever
Total sales up 25 percent
Highest rate of conquest buyers within GMC, at nearly 47 percent
Acadia:
Total sales up 8 percent
Best January since 2008
Yukon and Yukon XL
Best January since 2008
Yukon total sales up 106 percent; Yukon XL total sales up 127 percent
12 months of year-over-year sales gains for Yukon; 11 months for Yukon XL
(this article was originally published on Buick.com)
Q4 EBIT-adjusted of $2.4 billion, up from $1.9 billion in 2013
Q4 EPS of $0.66 including net loss from special items of $(0.53) per share
Full-year net income of $2.8 billion closes fifth consecutive profitable year
Full-year EBIT-adjusted of $6.5 billion included $2.8 billion in recall-related costs and restructuring costs of $1.0 billion
GM expects to increase its second quarter common stock dividend 20 percent to 36 cents per share
DETROIT – General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today announced fourth quarter net income attributable to common stockholders of $1.1 billion, or $0.66 per diluted share, which included a net loss from special items of $0.9 billion or $(0.53) per diluted share. Included in special items during the quarter was an $(0.8) billion reduction to net income attributable to common stockholders related to the redemption of all outstanding Series A preferred shares.
In the fourth quarter of 2013, GM’s net income attributable to common stockholders was $0.9 billion, or $0.57 per diluted share, including a net loss from special items of $0.2 billion or $(0.10) per diluted share. Revenue in the fourth quarter of 2014 was $39.6 billion, compared with $40.5 billion in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) adjusted was $2.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2014, compared with $1.9 billion in the fourth quarter of 2013.
“A strong fourth quarter helped us deliver very good core operating results in 2014 despite significant challenges we and the industry faced,” said GM CEO Mary Barra. “By keeping our customers at the center of all our decisions, we addressed those challenges head-on and outlined a customer-focused strategic plan that will guide our company well into the future.”
Full-Year Results
GM reported 2014 full-year net income attributable to common stockholders of $2.8 billion, or $1.65 per diluted share, down from $3.8 billion, or $2.38 per diluted share in 2013. Core automotive operating performance improved in 2014, but results were more than offset by incremental recall and restructuring costs, and a net loss from special items.
Special items during the calendar year impacted full-year net income to common stockholders unfavorably by $(2.4) billion, or $(1.40) per diluted share, compared to an unfavorable $(1.3) billion impact in 2013, or $(0.80) per diluted share.
In 2014, full-year net income was also impacted unfavorably by recall-related pre-tax costs of $2.8 billion, or $(1.07) per diluted share. Income tax expense in 2014 was favorably impacted by recall-related costs and special items.
Revenue increased to $155.9 billion, compared with $155.4 billion in 2013.
Full-year EBIT-adjusted was $6.5 billion, compared with $8.6 billion in 2013. Full-year EBIT-adjusted for 2014 includes the impact of $2.8 billion for recall-related costs and restructuring charges of $1.0 billion.
Based on GM’s continued strong results, and consistent with its stated strategy of a strong and growing dividend, the company intends to increase the second quarter dividend on its common stock by 20 percent to 36 cents per share. The decision on the expected dividend increase will be made by the GM Board of Directors as part of the regularly scheduled second quarter dividend declaration procedure.
“Our intention to increase the dividend is consistent with our balanced capital allocation strategy and reflects the confidence we have in the growing strength of our business,” said Barra. “Our goal is to maximize long-term shareholder value through both stock price appreciation and return of capital.”
Overview (in billions except for per share amounts)
Q4 2013
Q4 2014
Full-year 2013
Full-year 2014
Revenue
$40.5
$39.6
$155.4
$155.9
Net income attributable to common stockholders
$0.9
$1.1
$3.8
$2.8
Earnings per share (EPS) diluted
$0.57
$0.66
$2.38
$1.65
Impact of special items on EPS diluted
$(0.10)
$(0.53)
$(0.80)
$(1.40)
EBIT-adjusted
$1.9
$2.4
$8.6
$6.5
Automotive net cash flow from operating activities
$2.8
$3.8
$11.0
$10.1
Adjusted automotive free cash flow
$1.1
$1.8
$3.7
$3.1
Segment Results
GM North America (GMNA) reported EBIT-adjusted of $2.2 billion in the fourth quarter of 2014, compared with $1.9 billion in 2013. Full-year EBIT-adjusted was $6.6 billion, which included the impact of $2.4 billion in recall-related costs in 2014. This compares to EBIT-adjusted of $7.5 billion in 2013. Based on GMNA’s 2014 financial performance, the company will award variable pay of up to $9,000 to approximately 48,400 eligible GM U.S. hourly employees.
GM Europe (GME) reported EBIT-adjusted of $(0.4) billion in the fourth quarter of 2014, which includes $0.1 billion for restructuring costs. This compares with $(0.4) billion in 2013, which also included $0.1 billion in restructuring costs. Full-year EBIT-adjusted was $(1.4) billion in 2014, which includes $0.7 billion in restructuring costs. This compares with EBIT-adjusted of $(0.9) billion in 2013, which included $0.2 billion in restructuring costs.
GM International Operations (GMIO) reported EBIT-adjusted of $0.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2014, compared with $0.2 billion in 2013. Full-year EBIT-adjusted was $1.2 billion in 2014, compared with $1.3 billion in 2013. Included in the consolidated results for GMIO, GM China equity income during the fourth quarter of 2014 was $0.5 billion, compared to $0.4 billion in 2013. Full-year equity income for GM China was $2.1 billion, compared to $1.8 billion in 2013.
GM South America (GMSA) reported EBIT-adjusted of $0.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2014, compared with breakeven in 2013. Full-year EBIT-adjusted was $(0.2) billion in 2014, compared with EBIT-adjusted of $0.3 billion in 2013.
GM Financial reported earnings before taxes (EBT) adjusted of $0.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2014, compared with $0.2 billion in 2013. Full-year EBT adjusted was $0.8 billion, compared to $0.9 billion in 2013.
“Our underlying business operations showed significant improvement this year,” said Chuck Stevens, GM executive vice president and chief financial officer. “In 2015, we’ll continue to focus on driving further improvements to keep us on a glide path to achieve our near-term and long-term objectives.”
(this article was originally published on buick.com)
Another year of record sales defies industry trends, fuels Buick’s global momentum
Buick Enclave’s 62,300 sales in the United States in 2014 represented the second consecutive year of record sales for Buick’s flagship crossover and built on momentum that has barely paused since its launch in mid-2007.
While most vehicles follow somewhat of a bell curve for sales during their lifecycle, the Enclave has continued on an upward trajectory after more than seven years. Minor dips in 2009 and 2012 reflected overall trends in the recovering auto industry, but record-setting 2014 sales represented a 39-percent increase over the Enclave’s first full year of production.
More than 450,000 Enclave models have been sold worldwide since its launch.
“Few vehicles in any segment of the industry enjoy such a legacy of increasing popularly,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick. “In fact, many customers are enjoying their second or third Enclave. The Enclave has also been a cornerstone of Buick’s product renaissance, which saw a second consecutive year of record global sales in 2014.”
Said Karl Brauer, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book: “The Buick Enclave was really the perfect vehicle at the perfect time. It instantly expanded the brand’s reach by offering an attractive and functional SUV with luxury amenities. The three-row SUV segment was struggling in 2007, yet the Enclave drew a core group of buyers upon release and has continually expanded that group as SUV interest grew in recent years.
“This consistent growth curve is testament to how ‘right’ Buick got the Enclave at launch, along with how effectively the brand has supported its full-size SUV in the following years,” Brauer said.
For 2015, the Enclave adds a heated, wood-trimmed steering wheel to its roster of luxury features. It is offered in three trim levels: Convenience (1SD), Leather (1SL) and Premium (1SN). All-wheel drive is available on Leather and Premium trims, and
all models are powered by a direct-injected 3.6L V-6 that delivers an EPA-estimated 24 mpg on the highway (FWD models).
Experience Buick Protection on all 2015 Buick models includes two years/24,000 miles of scheduled maintenance, including oil changes, oil filter changes and tire rotations. It complements Buick’s four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and six-year/70,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.
“The Enclave continues to attract new and returning customers to its mix of its outstanding design, performance and safety features,” Aldred said.
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